Romney's advantage is his funding power, second only to Obama. Gingrich is weak financially, but Santorum is even weaker. Paul manages money well and can last very long given his strategy to work on caucus states and states with libertarian leanings, like New Hampshire or Nevada. Santorum and, surprisingly, Paul did better in the Southern-oriented, evangelical counties of northern Florida. But Santorum was a weak third and is competing for the same pool of voters as is Gingrich. Without another Iowa-type victory, Santorum will have to shut down for lack of funding.
For Gingrich to remain competitive, he will need a strong financial boost from Sheldon Adelson or another financial angel.
This election is a very fluid situation and unpredictable, beacuase whatever happens is dependent upon some other unknown happeneing or not happening.
For example:
“Santorum will have to shut down for lack of funding.”
What if there is already a back room deal? Romney and his backers which include Koch, could inject enough to keep Santorum going.
“For Gingrich to remain competitive, he will need a strong financial boost from Sheldon Adelson or another financial angel.”
Or perhaps true grassroots support in those other Southern states with active campaigning from Cain, Perry, Thompson, Bachmann (unless she truly is a Romney mole as I’m beginning to suspect). The next states are extremely different from Florida.
My only point is that I think this way this plays out is completely unpredictable, given that the anti-establishment movement position is hardened.
Do you think will the establishment-Romney scam work throughout the primary season?